Social relationships are an invaluable resource in difficult times. Research has consistently shown that having a positive, supportive network is one of the essential characteristics of resilient people.  

In this masterclass, you will learn the key principles of relationships that promote quality inspiring connections and gain access to hands-on tools delivered to help participants discover and invest in social bonds that matter.  

The “Creating and Maintaining Positive Relationships” Masterclass introduces a new, science-based method, called the Sailboat Metaphor, created by Dr Hugo Alberts, H.J.E.M. (2016). The metaphor facilitates the understanding and the application of positive psychology (psychology of wellbeing) to relationships. In comparing the human functioning to a captain’s interaction with the different elements of a sailboat, this method: 

• Offers a ready-to-go method for applying positive psychology
• Gives participants an intuitive way to understand and express experiences
• Creates a clear structure in the vast field of positive psychology

Individuals who want to: 

• learn the key aspects of positive relationships  
• explore science-based ways to differentiate types of positive social network 
• deal with low levels of perceived social support 
• explore the importance of paying attention to our social network 
• discover the importance of considering people’s beliefs of their social network 
• address the motivation for relational commitment 
• investigate the social skills needed to build and maintain positive relationships 
• build positive relationships to ensure the presence of the no. 1 contributing factor to personal happiness 
• Implement practical science-based concepts regarding quality relationships 
• apply the Six Pillars of Positive Relationships, a framework to help make lasting behavioural change as needed 
• learn mindful listening 
• explore the characteristics of relationships to which people are highly committed 
• gain essential relationship management skills to build and maintain positive relationships 

Organisations who want to: 

• measure the emotional climate at work and analyse areas for improvement 
• create a culture that supports the wellbeing of their employees by utilising science-based, lasting methods  
• explore the importance of paying sufficient attention to the social network at work 
• build a collective capacity for positive relationships in the workplace 
• measure people’s level of social connectedness 
• help their leaders and employees to: 

                              -understand the importance of responding in an active and constructive way and discuss how the chosen type of responding can promote                                             positive relationships 

                              -address kindness and gratitude, two essential social skills that contribute to the formation and maintenance of positive relationships. 

                              -explore the importance of cultivating vulnerability, apologising, forgiveness and empathy 

                              -learn mindful listening

One-day science-based Masterclass, divided in five sessions, covering theory, discussion, and offering practical tools. This masterclass includes: 

• Social Relationships – introduction to positive relationships and types of support. 
• Attention to social relationships – building social capital and identifying the most important relationships.
• Beliefs about social relationships – perceived social connectedness, perceived social support.
• Motivation for Commitment – learn about the characteristics of relationships to which people are highly committed.
• Relationship Management – mindful listening, constructive responding, kindness and gratitude, vulnerability, forgiveness, empathy, and therapeutic alliance. 

Camelia Petrus brings a wealth of tools, experience, and perspective to her work in Industrial Organisational Psychology, Leadership, Workplace Behaviour, Non-Violent Communication and Psychology of Wellbeing. 

Camelia’s interests are in employee wellbeing and engagement, leadership key competences and workplace behaviour. She provides employers with psychometric insights in the areas of Leadership Development, Workplace Behaviour, Recruitment, Sales and Customer Service, Client Relationship, Workplace Emotional Climate, and trains HR professionals in test interpretation.  

She is a member of NZ Positive Psychology Association, member of Change Management Institute NZ and partner with OPRA Psychology Group Wellington and the Regional Business Partners Network.

She leads work with individuals and organisations in NZ.